The Milwaukee Bucks entered the 2024-25 season with high expectations.
Armed with a roster featuring NBA Champion and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, All-Star Damian Lillard and a supporting cast of skilled veterans and promising young players, the team appeared poised to contend for a championship. However, 32 games into the season, and as it progresses, an alarming trend has emerged: the team is struggling mightily to close out games.
The anatomy of the Milwaukee Bucks' closing struggles
The issue isn't just about losing games, it's about how the Milwaukee Bucks continue to lose. Far too often this season, the Bucks have built sizable leads in the first three quarters, only to see these leads evaporate in crunch time.
This recurring problem has left fans and analysts wondering what's causing these late-game collapses. In the most recent embarrassing 113-110 home loss to the Brooklyn Nets, the Bucks' effort for the first three and a half quarters was abysmal, as they appeared to be just going through the motions with very little effort on both ends of the floor.
Both Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez were benched in the fourth quarter, and Andre Jackson Jr. was ejected in the second quarter, which means that 3/5 of the starting lineup was not on the floor during crunch time. Doc Rivers has a very difficult job night in and night out, as he really does not know who he can rely on to close on a nightly basis. He continues to try to find the right combination and what will work.
Several factors appear to be contributing to this ongoing issue.
1. Offensive stagnation
Despite having one of the league’s most potent offenses, the Bucks often fall into isolation-heavy sets in the final minutes of many of their games so far this season. Damian Lillard, known for his clutch shooting, is often the focal point, but opposing defenses have keyed in on him, forcing contested shots or turnovers. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo has struggled at times in half-court settings, particularly when defenses wall off the paint and dare him to hit jumpers or free throws.
2. Defensive inconsistencies
Under head coach Doc Rivers, the Bucks continue to implement defensive adjustments. While they’ve shown flashes of brilliance, their inability to string together stops late in games has been glaring. Opposing teams have exploited mismatches, and the Bucks’ perimeter defense has occasionally left shooters wide open, specifically when it comes to corner 3-point shots.
3. Turnovers and poor decision-making
Turnovers in clutch moments have been a recurring theme and continue to be a glaring issue. Whether it’s a forced pass to Giannis or a miscommunication on a pick-and-roll, the Bucks have frequently shot themselves in the foot during pivotal possessions.
4. Rotational challenges
Doc Rivers has also faced criticism for his rotations late in games. Deciding when to rest key players or which lineups to close with continues to be a work in progress. The balancing act of giving Lillard and Antetokounmpo their touches while keeping others involved has sometimes led to confusion and inefficiency.
The Path forward for the Milwaukee Bucks
Despite these issues, all is not lost for the Milwaukee Bucks. There are some adjustments that can help them regain their footing in crunch time.
1. Diversifying late-game offense
Rather than leaning solely on Lillard or Giannis, the Bucks might want to incorporate more pick-and-roll actions, off-ball movement and post-ups to keep defenses guessing. Khris Middleton, often overshadowed this season, could also play a larger role as a closer, as he has been somewhat successful in previous seasons in this role.
2. Defensive lineup adjustments
In high-stakes moments, Doc Rivers might want to deploy a more defensive-minded lineup featuring Gary Trent Jr. or even some of their younger players with fresher legs, such as A.J. Green and/or Andre Jackson Jr.
3. Improved communication and execution
Late-game success often comes down to trust and chemistry. Doc Rivers and his staff must emphasize situational awareness and clean execution during practice, which will hopefully translate to game action.
4. Playoff mentality in the regular season
The Bucks may benefit from treating select regular-season games as playoff simulations, as well as sharpening their late-game focus and resilience.
This will remain a work in progress for the Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks’ closing problem so far this season is not insurmountable by any means, but it’s a significant obstacle in their path to another championship. With two superstar players and a wealth of experience, the Bucks have the tools to figure it out and clean things up. However, the margin for error in the Eastern Conference is razor-thin, and their rivals will capitalize on any weaknesses.
If the Bucks can address their issues and turn close games into victories, they’ll be a terrifying postseason opponent. If not, this closing problem could haunt them come playoff time in April, May, and beyond. Time will tell which version of the Milwaukee Bucks emerges.